President John Dramani Mahama has returned to Ghana following a successful appearance at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where a historic resolution led by Ghana was adopted to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.”
The President arrived on Sunday to a warm reception at Kotoka International Airport, where he was welcomed by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, along with a cross-section of Ghanaians.
The resolution was passed with the support of 123 member states. However, the United States, Israel, and Argentina voted against it, while 52 countries abstained, including members of the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Spearheaded by President Mahama in his role as African Union Champion for Reparations, the resolution is expected to deepen global conversations on justice, healing, and reparatory measures for the historical injustices of slavery.
The transatlantic slave trade, which occurred between the 15th and 19th centuries, forcibly displaced an estimated 12 to 15 million Africans under inhumane conditions. Historical accounts suggest that about two million people died during the Middle Passage, with many others losing their lives through raids, forced marches, and captivity.
In present-day Ghana, coastal towns such as Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle served as major transit points during the trade, leaving lasting social, economic, and demographic impacts across Africa and the diaspora.
Speaking upon his arrival, President Mahama described the adoption of the resolution as a shared achievement.
“This is a victory not only for Ghana, but for a broad coalition of Africans, people of African descent, CARICOM, and all people of good conscience around the world,” he said.
He noted that while the legacy of the slave trade had been acknowledged in various forms over the years, previous efforts had been fragmented.
“The significance of what we have done is to bring it together and place it on the highest global platform, and to put on record that this was the gravest crime against humanity,” he added.
President Mahama also commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his role in securing international backing for the resolution.
“I gave the guidance, but they did the legwork. The thousands of kilometres he travelled from country to country canvassing support must be acknowledged,” he said.
He further praised Ghana’s diplomatic representatives, including Ambassador Samuel Yao Kumah and Ambassador Victor Smith, for their contributions to the successful adoption of the resolution.
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